From chewed wires to nibbled car seats, these tiny trespassers can cause big problems. But fear not, fellow homeowner! We got your back. Swipe through to discover 15 battle-tested strategies to keep these unwanted guests out for good!
Seal Up the Garage
Mice can squeeze through thin openings, so inspect your garage door for gaps at the bottom and sides, around windows, pipes, and any place where wires or cables enter the building. Use caulk, metal mesh, or expanding foam to plug these unwelcome entry points. Think like a mouse: if light shines through, they can probably squeeze in!
Get Rid of Nesting Materials
Cardboard boxes, old clothes, and forgotten newspapers are a mouse’s dream vacation home. Declutter your garage regularly and eliminate potential nesting spots. Store anything you need to keep in airtight containers or on high shelves.
Tighten Food Storage
Mice have a super sense of smell. A forgotten candy bar tucked under a box is a flashing neon sign for a hungry mouse. Keep all edible items in sealed containers. It’s even better not to keep food stuff there if you have a better place for them.
Clean Up After Eating
Leaving spills or crumbs on the floor is rolling out a welcome mat for mice. They’ll happily feast on any forgotten bits. Sweep regularly and pay special attention to areas where you store food, drinks, or pet supplies. These areas are prime targets for attracting mice on the hunt for a midnight meal.
Maintain a Trim Yard
Overgrown bushes and vegetation near your garage can give mice easy access and a convenient hiding spot. A tidy yard is less inviting to these unwanted guests; hence, keeping your landscaping trimmed and at least a foot away can help.
Clean Up Your Car
If your car is a permanent resident in your garage, do not let it be a home for mice. They love the warmth and shelter a car provides. Leaving crumbs under the seats is like setting a midnight snack for these uninvited guests. Vacuum the interior for any crumbs or debris that may attract them.
Adopt a Guard Cat
As natural predators of mice, cats’ presence can deter these tiny intruders. However, this is only a partially guaranteed solution, especially if your cat spends most of their time indoors napping on the couch. Outdoor cats with solid hunting instincts are more effective.
Peppermint
While the smell of peppermint could conjure up visions of candy canes for you, it’s a major turn-off for mice. Scatter cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil throughout your garage. Refresh the cotton balls every few weeks to maintain the potency of the smell.
Ultrasonic Sounds
Invest in an ultrasonic pest repeller for your garage — the high-pitched sounds make mice uncomfortable, encouraging them to find a more peaceful living setting. It is not always foolproof, but it can be used alongside other methods.
Plug the Holes They Gnaw
Mice can gnaw past surprising materials like wood and plastic. If you discover a chewed part, patch it using a different material. Use steel wool, which is uncomfortable for them to chew past, or hardware cloth to create a rodent-resistant barrier.
Inspect the Unexpected
Mice can squeeze past gaps you never thought possible and reach places you might not normally consider. Check behind appliances, around water heaters, and anywhere else there might be a hidden gap or opening. Close up any potential entry points you discover with caulk, metal mesh, or expanding foam.
Regular Inspection
You never know when you’ll have a new crack, so regularly inspect your garage, inside and outside, for cracks and holes. Block them with appropriate patching materials, such as concrete patching compound or caulk, depending on the size and location of the crack.
Close the Door on Opportunity
This one seems obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. Make sure your garage door closes all the way and forms a tight seal. If it’s even slightly ajar, it is an open invitation for mice. Check the weather stripping around the frame and replace it if worn or damaged to ensure perfect closure.
Light Up the Night
Mice prefer dark, sheltered places. Install bright motion-sensor lights outside your garage. These will illuminate when mice enter the vicinity and may deter them from approaching. Increased light all over the entry points can make your garage a less attractive site for them to explore.
Seal Up Drains
We often overlook drains, but we shouldn’t because mice can wiggle through surprisingly narrow spaces. Every few months, pour a cup or two of a mixture of white vinegar and water down the drains in your garage. The scent of vinegar can deter them, and the occasional flush will help clear debris that might attract them.
